Soil Type: Sandy/Light or Chalky/AlkalineSoil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained

Large open rich lilac flowers with distinctive purple veins in October and November. This autumn-flowering crocus is named after its three long deep-red stigmas which are cultivated commercially for colouring and flavouring food. To provide the conditions in which it thrives plant the bulbs 10-15cm (4-6in) deep in August in gritty well-drained soil.

Garden care: Plant bulbs in naturalistic drifts 10-15cm (4-6in) deep in August in gritty well-drained soil. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the lawn until after the leaves have died back.